Many factors have impacted Mission Bay Park and San Diego River water quality, and consequently, the beneficial uses of these areas. Development, loss of wetlands and pollution from a variety of sources have all impacted the environmental quality of these areas.

A variety of projects are underway for both environmental restoration and improved access and use by citizens.

Mission Bay Landfill
The closed Mission Bay landfill was a receptacle for toxic materials for many years. The community has long expressed concern the landfill may be leaking since the landfill is not contained or lined. In August of 2002, Councilmember Frye and the Environmental Services Department began a new investigation into the current conditions at the landfill. The goal of the investigation is to determine the environmental and public health issues surrounding the site.

In order to help evaluate and advise the City during this investigation, Councilmember Frye convened the Mission Bay Technical Advisory Committee. This oversight committee is made up of technical experts and community members interested in completing a site assessment and determining appropriate clean up measures for the landfill.

In December 2002, newly elected Councilmember Michael Zucchet joined Councilmember Frye in chairing the Committee. The Committee has chosen a consultant to perform a site investigation. It is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2004.

These meetings are open to the public, and there is a public comment period at the end of each meeting. The dates and times of the meetings are listed on our website.

San Diego River Park
Councilmember Frye was appointed to the San Diego River Conservancy created by Assembly Member Kehoe's Assembly Bill 2156, recently signed by Governor Gray Davis in Mission Valley. This newly established conservancy will oversee the environmentally sensitive land, water and wetlands of the San Diego River.

The San Diego River Conservancy was formed to coordinate state funding for recreation, species restoration, scientific research and educational and cultural activities along the river. The conservancy will begin its efforts with 12 million dollars of proposition 13 and 40 funds allocated by Governor Davis. The conservancy is one of only eight in California and the first in San Diego County.

The governing board of the River Conservancy is made up of nine voting members and two nonvoting members. Frye was appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the full Council in December of 2002.

Projects

San Diego River Bike Path
Many sections of bike path already exist along the San Diego River; the current need is to link them into a continuous path. In District 6, two major segments of the path system are missing. The first is between Pacific Highway and Hotel Circle North, on the south side of the River. Design funds for this segment have been identified.

The second is between Qualcomm Way and Qualcomm Stadium, also on the south side of the River. A feasibility study that identified several alternative alignments for this segment of the path has been completed. Design and construction funds for this segment have not been identified.

Mission Bay Contaminant Dispersion Study
The purpose of this study is to predict the extent of contamination under a variety of physical conditions, such as tidal and creek influences.

Mission Bay Human Pathogenic Viruses and Epidemiology Combined Study
Slated for completion in 2005, this project will be conducted at five or six selected locations on Mission Bay. It will determine the extent and frequency of pathogenic viral contamination, human health risks and the connection between water contact and human illnesses.

Mission Bay Bacteria Source Identification
This is a combination of two projects: the Mission Bay Source Identification Survey and the Mission Bay Dry Weather Bacterial Source Testing. The program will include a survey to identify sources of chronic problem areas in Mission Bay and analysis for biological DNA or RNA and other chemical markers to determine the sources of bacteriological contamination.

Dog Beach Bacteria Source Reduction
Implementation of pollution prevention measures at Dog Beach to address the high bacteria counts include new signs, increased trash cans, providing for picking up piles, and enforcement of the Municipal Code. Some of the highlights of the project include:

• Installation of "poop bag" dispensers for dog beach visitors to use.
• New trash cans have been added in the off leash dog area and the adjacent parking lot.
• Twelve new signs have been installed which clearly delineate the areas where dogs must be on a leash.